He was chosen by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors over the opposition of those who wanted a local union business manager, Larry Mazzola, Jr. to fill what had been regarded as the traditional ìlabor seatî on the commission. Snyderís supporters, including Ross Mikarimi, successfully outmaneuvered attempts to derail the appointment, in favor of the previously adjudged unqualified Mazzola, by a vote of 6 to 5.

Snyder is the Transportation Policy Director for the San Francisco Planning Urban Research Association and former Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.